Starmer rejects Lib Dem call for him to lead economic ‘coalition of willing’ fighting trade war against US
Ed Davey, the Lib Dem leader, says Starmer has shown commendable leadership over Ukraine, with his plan for a military coalition of the willing. Will he now lead an economic coalition of the willing standing up to the US? (See 9.26am.)
Starmer says Davey is always trying to make him take a false choice between the US and Europe.
I think that’s the wrong choice on defence, on security intelligence, for reasons that we’ve rehearsed across this chamber. I also think it’s wrong on trade and the economy.
We have a balanced trade relationship with the US, and I believe that our interests are best served by calmly trying to secure a deal which is in our national interest, whilst at the same time preparing and leaving all options on the table.
Key events
Alberta Costa (Con) says there is a parole board hearing coming up for Colin Pitchfork. Does Starmer agree that people who brutally rape and murder young women, like Pitchfork, should normally spend most of their natural life in prison.
Starmer thanks Costa for raising this. He says as DPP he dealt with cases like this, and he knows the impact they have on families.
